“Okay, two children, then two adults?”
“No, just one adult.”
I book a lot of campsites and RV sites. Often, the best places are the least technological and require a phone or in-person reservation.
It’s a little gut punch when the (almost always) female voice stops for a moment to ponder this odd family with a lone dad.
Sometimes I laugh to myself at the scenarios that could be cooking behind those confused pauses. Sometimes I think about how much it sucks to do this on my own.
On this trip, I’ve thought about how much nicer it would be to have an adventurous companion. My sons are increasingly independent and that leaves me with more time alone. I miss having a partner in the passenger seat, even though I’ve spent most of the last three years as a solo parent.
I love my own independence in choosing adventures, I love my quiet time reading or writing, and I love the precious time I am blessed to spend with my sons. Those passions demand a special kind of partner, the type who values her independence as much as a shared relationship.
That’s the balance in all relationships, how much to give oneself and how much to give of oneself. I am plentiful on both ends of that scale, but the balance takes constant care and intention.
I relish these days as I learn more about myself and practice balance in parenting.